News
Latest Goings on in Susie-Land
Here are some ‘News Highlights’. For the latest news and gossip and watch along as paintings come to life, join me on Facebook.
September 2026
Postcards for Peace
I am so delighted to contribute an original postcard for a wonderful cause – The David Nott Foundation Postcards for Peace. The Foundation raises vital funds to train doctors working in war and catastrophe.
“Flowers Shine as Peace Should” is an original painting showing that flowers always grow where war has taken away hope. They find a way, as we should, to bring peace.
The online art lottery takes place on World Peace Day, 21st September.
August 2026
Fame on the Tube!
This doesn’t happen every day! It was such a thrill to see my painting on the London Underground, at Hyde Park Station, as part of the Art Below Exhibition running in July and August. Not sure what the commuters thought I was doing, though! 🙂
February 2026
Expansion for 2026!
I am delighted that more and more of my paintings and products are becoming available for sale in outlets around Farnham as well as far and wide!
In the spotlight, I now have two shelves in the wonderful shop at Farnham Maltings, with stock changing frequently.
February 2026
Commissions
I have been very busy with Commissions lately, particularly from The Corner Gallery, where my work is on permanent display.
Amongst them, these lovely new customers! Read customer reviews, or commission your own painting, at the links below.
January 2026
New Notelets
I have produced a new set of notelets for 2026 featuring more scenes from Farnham!
December 2025
Charity Roundup
Farnham Lions
My ongoing relationship with The Farnham Lions continues with my artwork being used last year for their 2025 Advent Raffle calendar. It sold out very quickly and helped raise much needed funds for all their wonderful causes. I was very heavily involved with many of their other events as well, and this will continue this year with a brand new painting.
I have been involved with Farnham Lions for many years, including producing a painting each year for the Advent Raffle, and it is wonderful to play a part in something that means so much to so many people. Farnham Lions Club give their time to support so many people in need and I am so lucky to see this in action and be able to help.
Farnham Castle
I’ve developed a lovely relationship with Farnham Castle Trust and was so delighted to supply the volunteers – who give their time to show people the history of Farnham Castle once a week – with very special handmade Christmas baubles at the carol concert in the Castle.
Farnham Assist
I am also delighted to be working with Farnham Assist, a very small charity working to support older people in Farnham who have become isolated from friends and neighbours. I have supported their mission, providing artwork for their Christmas card for the last two years, helping to raise much needed funds, and I go each month to their coffee mornings.
October 2025
Freeman Honours
In October, I had the great honour of being elected to the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers, one of the most ancient livery companies of the City of London (with roots going back to the 13th century). And following in my father’s footsteps, I will be made a Freeman of the City of London at a ceremony on March 24th 2026 – photos to come!
July 2025
Farnham Places and Hidden Spaces
It was so lovely to receive such glowing support for my work at the Private View of my Solo Exhibition at the New Ashgate Gallery on 4 July (exhibition currently in full swing)!
Councillor Ian Earwaker, who opened the exhibition describing himself as a “Super Fan”, said:
“In Farnham Places and Hidden Spaces, Susie Lidstone brings the town to life through intricate watercolours filled with detail, colour and character. From historic streets to hidden gardens, her work captures Farnham as only someone who truly knows and loves it can.”
You can see video clips and shots from the Private View of the exhibition, opened by the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor George Murray: https://www.facebook.com/reel/30635081879468525
And my work beautifully introduced by Councillor Ian Earwaker, here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1483363826352582.
And here is a video produced for the exhibition, giving a flavour my commission work and looking at the hidden spaces of Farnham.
August 2025
Gregory Stafford MP Visits Exhibition
It was great to meet our local MP at my exhibition, and this is what he had to say about his visit:
“Susie Lidstone’s latest exhibition, Farnham Places and Hidden Spaces, offers a strikingly detailed view of the town – not just its well-known streets and buildings, but the quieter, often unnoticed corners that define its character. Her work brings out the texture of Farnham with care and precision, built on a long-standing familiarity with the town she knows so well.
At the New Ashgate Gallery, I had the chance to explore the exhibition and speak with its director, Outi Remes, about the gallery’s wider work in supporting local artists. Spaces like this play an important role in Farnham’s cultural life, and it’s encouraging to see such thoughful, local work at the heart of it.”
February 2025
New in Carshalton
I am now producing bespoke commissions for The Corner Gallery of the surrounding areas of Carshalton. My painting of Stennings Bakery sold within a day, and I am now painting another view of it.
February 2025
Commissions
I am very busy with Commissions at the moment. A lovely one was to produce a wonderful painting of a couple on their wedding day – read what they have to say about it, or commission your own, at the links below.
January 2025
New Notelets
I have produced a second set of notelets featuring scenes from Farnham!
January 2025
2025 Exhibitions
It’s another full year of Exhibitions this year and I am delighted to be making a return visit to several old friends!
September 2024
Farnham Lions Advent Calendar
I have produced the Advent Raffle, formerly known as Advent Calendar, for the Farnham Lions Club. It will be officially launched at the Farnham Food Festival on 29th September.
I am, as ever, supplying a framed print of the image used as one of the raffle prizes.
Details at https://www.farnhamlionsadvent.org.uk
August 2024
Transplant Links Deck of Cards
Like last year, I am delighted to produce one of the playing card images to be part of Transport Links Community (TLC) Volume 4 Deck of Cards, which will be auctioned at Ewbanks in October. This year I have painted The Five of Hearts, which has a strong meaning for me.
The five roses and hearts within the foliage represent my precious mother and father; my husband, Stuart, whose love and belief in me has been as constant as my parents; our wonderful son, Danny, who has autism but, like the roses, has flourished into the unique creative musician that makes us so proud of him. He is creative like his Granny Prim, Grandpa John, his Dad and Mummy. Our lives are one, connected by the love we have for each other.
Like flowers grow, I have been blessed to be a part of TLC in the best way that I can – through my painting. That growth stems back, like the roses, right to the beginning, to the friendship through business and writing between my father and Jennie, Chain of Hope and love – which is why TLC means so much to me. I am honoured to be a part of it, raising money for life-saving kidney surgery.
Life is so precious.
November 2023
Celebrating Our Community
As a very long time resident of Farnham, I am committed to celebrating our local community and helping to maintain a positive community environment. So I am delighted to be working with Castle Street Residents Association, and it a great honour to be featured on their website. Read the article here>>
August 2023
Mrs Christmas of Farnham!
It is a great honour to have one of my paintings chosen once again for the Mayor of Farnham’s official Christmas card 2023.
Here we are at my recent private view at the New Ashgate Gallery, as I hand over the image.
March 2023
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
I am absolutely delighted to have been elected as a Fellow to the Royal Society of Arts. This is a real honour and I can now proudly put FRSA after my name!
I look forward to continuing to support the vision and mission of this most esteemed organisation.
November 2022
The Mayor’s Christmas Painting – Farnham Herald Report
September 2022
Farnham Lions Christmas Advent Calendar
The Farnham Lions Christmas Advent Calendar, with my image of Castle Street in the Snow, will be officially launched on 25 September at the Farnham Food Festival. I am delighted to be associated with this incredible group who do so much for charity. I shall be there to support it, hope you will too!
Look out for the calendar on sale around Farnham from late September, or go to the Lions website at www.farnhamlionsadvent.org.uk.
September 2022
TLC Art Auction
I was delighted tht have been asked to produce an image for the Transplant Links Community – a charity very close to my heart – as part of the their Deck of Cards Art Project.
My painting is of the Jack of Spades and it shows plants growing with the interweaving of stems that twist together forming a bond that is difficult to separate unless disease fractures them.
Flowers have so much in common with the shape of the kidneys and the amazing structures within each that has a lyrical connection but can be broken so easily, which is why the work of TLC is so vital. As we plant and see our labours flourish we need to cherish all life; we are all precious.
I have been painting for over 40 years producing work which falls into two areas, Floral and Architecture. The common thread is the detail within every painting that I produce. When you are passionate about your work it becomes part of who you are without it I wouldn’t be Susie.
Jack of Spades – See the Beauty in Life
by Susie Lidstone
September 2022
October Craft Month, Farnham
(I have been asked to produce a piece of Artwork as part of October Craft Month – A World of Craft on our Doorstep – showing my front door. It’s just a line drawing so something a bit different, but shows the detail in my paintings. The article below has been produced for the event. Spot the editor’s error – I use Sable brushes, not ‘Stable’!).
23 June 2022
Farnham Herald
June 2022
Farnham Herald Feature on The Historic Shepheards Shop
November 2021
In Conversation with The Farnham Society
October 2021
Age is Just a Number
I was pleased to be able to contribute to the the Age Of Creativity blog which celebrates the value of creativity and culture to older people. My blog on being an older artist is here: www.ageofcreativity.co.uk
October 2021
Winter Wonderland!
My Christmas Cards for 2021 are now available for sale. I am delighted that my designs gave been chosen for the Farnham Society’s 2021 Christmas Cards. The Mayor of Farnham also commissioned me to paint a Christmas version of The Farnham Council Offices for his official Christmas card for 2021. Here he is below with me at my studio this month. The painting is now also hanging in the council offices.
New for this year also are these lovely Christmas baubles (below), available from me directly or any of my upcoming events and from the Museum of Farnham Shop.
Christmas Card designs for 2021
The Mayor Farnham’s Christmas Card
The Mayor visiting my studio
Christmas Baubles New for 2021
July 2021
Summer Lazing
So nice to see my deckchairs being put to good use by customers during this lovely hot spell we have been having!
You can see all the deckchair designs and get your own here:
https://www.artintheheart.co.uk/product/sunflower-deckchair/
April 2021
And now for something completely different…
New work that I have been commissioned and completed so far this year included “The Wait” – something very different for me (A Kingfisher) commissioned by Jonathan Durham who owns many of my paintings.
April 2021
Press Coverage for an Unusual Commission
May 2020
Featured in The Times Newspaper
Saturday 15 May
May 2020
New Face Coverings Featured in Farnham Herald 28 May 2020
March 2020
Keeping It Local Feature
